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Description

The growth and function of many tissues are influenced by hormones. Therefore it is quite understandable that hormones play a role in the development and treatment of malignant tumors. Numerous publications address this topic; however, the results of many studies are controversial and have t been unequivocally accepted. For nearly 50 years the carcigenic effect of steroid hormones has been under debate, and their therapeutic value a matter of discussion for equally as long. The present volume concentrates on substantiated data first obtained from the study of tumors developing from hormone- regulated or hormone-producing tissue, e.g., the thyroid, adrenal glands, prostate, and the female genital tract. Through a joint approach from the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, and histopathology, advances in the management of these tumors have been elaborated. Ather exciting example is the endo- nuclear diagsis of adrenal tumors. Antihormones, i.e. antian- drogens or GnRH analogues have proved to be important indeed since they exhibit a destructive effect on prostate carcimas and breast cancer. Further improvements can be expected in the localization of hormones in tumor tissue by specific antibodies. A special chapter is dedicated to the diffuse endocrine cell system (DECS), the clinical significance of which has mainly become obvious in the gastroenteropancreatic tract.